Hi John

I think this year was the first when it’s been almost completely windless.

If there is any wind you can use the gennaker as a code zero to go upwind - although you can’t point very high. I manually hold the clew in line with the main but If you were doing it for longer periods you could set up a bridle or additional block on the rear ama arm.

https://youtu.be/4VjX0YVQwuk?si=LfUE2k2VheAcQThw

Paddling is probably too ineffective and uncomfortable to do for any length of time.

One of the previous Weta entrants had oars he fed through oarlocks attached to the gunwale of the main hull under the tramps and a removable bench seat across the cockpit to sit on. The oars had to be short to avoid hitting the amas but could allow you to propel the boat at a reasonable speed. Some sort of foot activated steering system would help.

You could even look at longer carbon sculling oars if you could mount oarlocks on the outside of the tramp frame but you might need to stand in order to catch the water with both oars.

I would look at the systems the entrants use in the Race to Alaska such as

https://www.ptleader.com/stories/last-years-solo-winner-staying-ahead-in-2018-race-to-alaska,3941

I would also look at dropping the mast if it’s flat calm for long periods because it just adds extra windage.

Regards

Paul #1300 #380